Craig Bellamy insisted there were no hard feelings about his departure from Manchester City and he moved to Cardiff to "come home".

There has been speculation about the striker's future since he revealed ahead of Wales' match against Luxembourg last week he was not going to be included in City's 25-man Premier League squad.

Top-flight clubs in England and Scotland were lining up to sign Bellamy but on Tuesday it was confirmed he will drop down to the npower Championship with his home-town club on a season-long loan.

Bellamy said: "Nothing's difficult about this. I had the greatest time at Manchester City at a great period in their history.

"I was bought to take the club on to the next stage and I feel I played a big part in doing that. The players they're signing are incredible.

"The next couple of years I'm sure they'll get the Premier League title, and I hope they do."

Bellamy refused to comment on reports City would not allow him to join a rival Premier League club but praised manager Roberto Mancini.

"There's no ill feeling," added the 31-year-old. "I hope he does well, he's a top manager."

Bellamy explained the chance to spend more time with his family was his primary motivation for joining Cardiff, and he does not expect to have it easy in the second tier.

"My wide and kids live here and I've spent the last six years travelling up and down the road," he said. "I left home at 15. I've always wanted to come back but I wanted to come back at the top of my game.

"I've come down to the Championship willing to put my neck on the line. It's probably the hardest football decision I'll have to make in my career.

"I grew up in this league and it's tough, and that gives me excitement as well. It's a great challenge for me."

City boss Roberto Mancini did not rule out the possibility of Bellamy playing for him again.

"I am happy for him. I hope that for him it will be a good season," said Mancini.

"It's his choice. but I hope for him it will be a fantastic season in Cardiff, it's his home.

"I think it's a good choice for him, his family is there."

Asked if Bellamy might have a future at Eastlands after his loan spell in Wales, Mancini added: "I don't know, in football anything can happen."